According to a letter written by John Adams, the second day of July in 1776 will be the most memorable day in the history of America. In his words, July 2 “Ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”
So why does America celebrate July 4 as Independence Day?
The Declaration of Independence may have been adopted on that day, but it wasn't signed by members of the Continental Congress. Thomas Jefferson was one of five to draft a declaration. The other four to draft the Declaration was John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman. The Declaration, however, wasn’t signed until July 8.
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the declaration was adopted.
At Iron Skillet and Country Pride we'll be celebrating on the Fourth - and we want to thank all veterans and active military by providing them with a free meal on July 4. Stop into an Iron Skillet or Country Pride restaurant on Independence Day and show your proof of military service and your meal is on us! We’d be honored to serve you.